Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2009, $800,000)
The Congressionally Selected Awards Program, authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects selected by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-8, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 09 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act.
Sam Houston State University (SHSU) will utilize the FY 2009 Congressionally Selected Award to hire lab personnel and acquire necessary lab equipment for its rural crime laboratory facility.
This grant will allow the SHSU to provide forensic crime lab services to law enforcement agencies working in the ten county area surrounding Huntsville, Texas. In order for the crime lab to begin operations in 2010, SHSU will need to hire appropriate crime lab staff, procure lab equipment, facilitate the accreditation process, and develop operating procedures.
The rural crime laboratory will focus on the identification of seized drugs (solid dosage or controlled substances) and drugs in biological samples. The analyses require specialized instrumentation and procedures, such as the gas chromatograph/mass spectrometry. Grant funds will cover the salary and fringe for the following positions: forensic examiners (toxicology and controlled substances), supervisor, technician, clerical support, and lab manager; lab equipment; operating lab supplies; technical staff training; and indirect costs.
NCA/NCF